Prescribed burning result best in 29 years

Burning creates lower fuel loads across larger areas of the State's south-west helping to reduce the severity and size of bushfires

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson today announced that about 238,000 hectares of prescribed burning had been achieved this season - the best outcome in 29 years.

The last time an amount of this magnitude was achieved was 1987-88, when 252,000ha were burnt.

Prescribed burning significantly reduces the threat and severity of damaging bushfires, minimising the risk to life and infrastructure.

Since July 1, 2016, the Department of Parks and Wildlife has completed 91 burns in national parks, conservation reserves and State forests, from Gingin in the north to Denmark on the south coast as well as in the Perth Hills area.

Parks and Wildlife aims to have 45 per cent of department-managed land in the south-west forest regions with a fuel age of less than six years.

Prescribed burning is highly dependent on suitable weather conditions, fuel moisture and a range of other factors to be undertaken safely.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"A mix of large landscape and smaller urban prescribed burning is essential to ensure greater protection for our communities.

"An increase in the number of residents living in the hills and regional forest areas, coupled with more people visiting our natural attractions, makes it vitally important that prescribed burning not only continues but is supported and understood by the community.

"Parks and Wildlife has had an outstanding season so far with burns reaching about 238,000ha due to excellent preparation, committed staff and beneficial weather conditions.

"The department is working hard to achieve as much prescribed burning as it can in the coming weeks, weather permitting and when safe to do so, to ensure the Western Australian community is protected."